Application Deadline:  Open until filled

Application review will begin immediately

Anticipated Start Date: October 2024       

Overview: This position will coordinate and implement wildlife habitat conservation programs and provide technical assistance to private landowners within the Working Lands for Wildlife (WLFW) Bobwhite Quail Pine Savanna Project and Georgia Bobwhite Quail Initiative’s (BQI) focal regions of Georgia.  Primary partners include USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), and Georgia Department of Natural Resources (GADNR) Wildlife Resources Division and Quail Forever (QF). This position will be headquartered in the USDA Service Center in Hawkinsville, Georgia. The individual will work in joint capacity with partner agencies to promote, coordinate and implement conservation provisions of the Federal Farm Bill on private lands, with primary focus on the Environmental Quality Incentive Program (EQIP). The position will be an employee of Quail Forever and be supervised by the Quail Forever Georgia State Coordinator with instruction and leadership provided by NRCS District Conservationist and GADNR State Quail Coordinator. 

Primary Duties:

• Provide technical assistance (wildlife habitat focus) and guidance to private landowners, government agencies, non-government organizations and other groups for USDA NRCS conservation programs.
• Conduct population and habitat surveys including spring breeding bird surveys, fall covey counts, vegetation surveys, and management of automated recording units (ARU) on private and conservation lands
• Coordinate the implementation and application of wildlife habitat programs within Georgia's Bobwhite Quail Initiative focal regions in cooperation with partner agencies.
• Complete conservation plans, Implementation Requirements (IR’s), Wildlife Habitat Evaluation Guides (WHEG’s) and other required documentation for conservation programs requiring wildlife biologist expertise in cooperation with the listed partners.
• Communicate program requirements, complete site visits to determine eligibility, and develop contract documents for applicants and participants of USDA-NRCS conservation programs and other local and state programs.
• Accelerate conservation program enrollment by conducting outreach such as workshops, field days, learn n’ burns, demonstration events, habitat tours and social media.
• Provide on-site landowner technical assistance for conservation habitat management implementation.
• Work with local QF chapters to assist with habitat program education and outreach and provide technical assistance for habitat projects.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Any combination of training and/or experience that will enable the applicant to possess the required knowledge, skills and abilities.

• A Bachelor’s Degree in Wildlife Management, Natural Resource Management, Forestry, or related degree from an accredited university with an emphasis on forest ecosystem management and course work and/or experience on integrating wildlife management principles into pine dominated ecosystems.
• Knowledge of Southeast wildlife ecology, forest and grassland management including the methods of habitat management in the development of management plans.
• Knowledge of biology and habitat requirements for bobwhite quail, whitetail deer, turkey and other wildlife species.
• Knowledge of conservation and wildlife programs provided by federal (i.e., Farm Bill, US Fish and Wildlife Service), state, & local entities.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with landowners and partner agencies.
• Ability to work independently and with diverse clientele. Must be a motivated self-starter with strong interpersonal skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills, with demonstrated ability to manage demanding workloads.
• Proficiency with ArcGIS, GPS, Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, etc.)
• Able to obtain USDA Security Clearance and NRCS Conservation Planning certification. 
• Valid driver’s license required.

Desired Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• M.S. in Wildlife, Forestry or related field, or equivalent experience.
• Proven experience working with USDA Farm Bill programs.
• At least 2 years of natural resources related professional experience.
• The ideal candidate will exhibit a balance of technical knowledge and interpersonal skills required to implement voluntary conservation programs on private lands. 

Salary and Benefits:

• Starting salary of $45,000 (Commensurate with qualifications and experience)
• Health, vision, dental and more insurance coverage plans available.
• 401(k) Retirement plan with an employer match of up to 5%.
• Technology Stipend and Vehicle Stipend provided.
• Student Loan Assistance program of up to $200/month for eligible employees.  
• Paid Time Off accrued at 15 days (120 hours) per year for new employees (increasing after 3 years).
• Bereavement/Family/Sick Leave of 6 days (48 hours) per year.  
• 13 Paid holidays.
• An Employee Benefit Summary can be found on our Careers page.